Laval Police arrest alleged con artist for $1-million scam

Lucie Paquette, 52, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly scamming at least six people out more than $1 million. (Laval Police)

A 52-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly scamming at least six people out of more than $1 million, Laval Police say.

Investigators said in a press release that over the course of 14 years, Lucie Paquette earned her victims trust and convinced them to give large sums of money with the promise of higher returns down the road.

Police say Paquette always used the same strategy. She allegedly told her victims that she was in line to receive a considerable inheritance, but it was being disputed in court and she need money for her legal fees, which she could no longer afford.

The victims then provided money – either in the form of a cheque or a bank draft – under the assumption that they would receive millions in return for their help after Paquette got access to her inheritance.

Paquette also pleaded guilty to charges of fraud in 2007 for a scam using the same method, which saw its victims cheated out of $180,000.

Investigators say Paquette may have also scammed others. They’re looking for victims from as far back as the early 2000s.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them through their confidential phone line at 450-662-4636 or to dial 9-1-1 and mention the case LVL 170202 057.